El Camino Real (ECR) Complete Streets Corridor Study

Project Background and Purpose

This El Camino Real Complete Streets Corridor Study developed and evaluated complete streets design options for the 1.5-mile segment of ECR from north of Selby Lane to Valparaiso Avenue. These improvements may include sidewalks, improved bus stops, and bikeways.

The study identifies potential changes to the road based on technical analysis of traffic conditions including safety, infrastructure requirements, stakeholder input and conversations with the local community. The study will integrate into the Caltrans Project Initiation Document and Project Approval and Environmental Document process, leading to final design and project construction.

Goals

Improved Safety and Quality of Life: Create a plan that prioritizes and enhances safety for all road users, particularly for the most vulnerable (i.e., people walking, riding bicycles), avoiding traffic diversion and impacts to side streets, while addressing seasonal flooding along the corridor.  

Improved Connectivity: Improve connections between key destinations along El Camino Real and create a consistent experience for all modes (i.e., pedestrians, cyclists, drivers).  

Enhanced Equity & Access: Prioritize equity and access for all road users and for people of all ages and abilities.  

Expanded Travel Options: Expand active transportation (i.e., walking, cycling) facilities and improve transit access to make it easier or more convenient for people to travel without a car. 

Outreach Phases

In Phase 1, the goal for public outreach was to establish a shared understanding of the project and collect insights on existing conditions, opportunities, and challenges.

In Phase 2, the goal for the public outreach was to gather input from various stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges of the top three design concepts that were identified following the Preliminary Alternatives Analysis process.

The third phase of community engagement focused on selecting the preferred alternative and developing the implementation plan. The project team met the Techinical Working Group, Atherton Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee, and Atherton City Council to review and advance Concept 1 and Concept 2 for further analysis.Proposed Design Concepts

The City Council supported two preferred design concepts that will undergo further analysis. This segment of El Camino Real is generally 100 feet wide. The final design must be feasible within the existing right-of way and consider traffic/parking impacts, technical constraints and requirements, and construction costs. For example, adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes to improve safety will require more space. 

Documents

• ECR Complete Streets Corridor Study
• ECR Complete Streets Corridor Study -- Appendix
• ECR Complete Streets Corridor Study -- Task Memo Appendix
• Past Public Hearings
  • Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee 7/23/2024
  • City Council Study Session 11/6/2024
  • Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee 1/28/2025
  • Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee 3/25/2025
  • City Council 4/16/2025

For more information on the project, please contact:

Douglas Kim

dkim@athertonca.gov